Jet2 Airways banned two passengers for life after a violent brawl at 30 thousand feet forced an emergency landing during a UK-bound flight from Turkey.

Shocking video footage captured the chaotic fight on February 12 on Manchester-bound flight LS896 from Antalya. Passengers can be seen fighting in the aisle amid screaming and shouting while cabin crew desperately tried to intervene.

Flight diverted to Brussels where police escorted both individuals from the packed aircraft. Jet2 described their behaviour as ‘appalling’ and confirmed lifetime bans for both passengers.

One eyewitness, a healthcare worker, said the incident began when a passenger made racist remarks targeting Pakistani travellers. “From early on in the flight, a passenger seated behind us began making racist remarks, quiet enough that others couldn't clearly hear, but loud enough for us to”, the witness wrote online.

Situation escalated when the passenger became aggressive towards cabin crew after being unable to purchase cigarettes. “He became confrontational, intimidating, and openly racist towards the Pakistani passengers around him”, the eyewitness added.

Children, elderly passengers and individuals with additional needs were on board during the distressing incident. “At one point it became very physical. Passengers were distressed. People were frightened. The atmosphere turned chaotic”, the witness said.

Flight later departed Brussels and landed in Manchester shortly after 10 pm. Jet2 spokesman confirmed the airline will pursue both passengers to recover diversion costs.

“As a family friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behaviour”, the spokesman said, apologizing to affected customers and crew members.

Source: The Sun